Legendary Cyclist and Longtime Inclusive Sports Advocate Recognized for His Contributions to America and the Global Community. Recording of the ceremony begins at 33:58
World TEAM (The Exceptional Athlete Matters) proudly congratulates Greg LeMond on receiving the Congressional Gold Medal on July 9, 2025, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. LeMond, a three-time Tour de France winner, has been an enduring champion of inclusive sports and a dedicated supporter of World TEAM since its founding.
LeMond’s legacy extends far beyond the world of competitive cycling. As a former board member and global ambassador for World TEAM, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission to unite adaptive and able-bodied athletes through transformative athletic experiences. His commitment to inclusion, excellence, and community has left a lasting impact on thousands of lives.
When World TEAM co-founders Jim Benson and Stephen Whisnant invited Greg LeMond to join a groundbreaking global cycling expedition—later known as the AXA World Ride—he immediately said yes. “Overnight, Greg had become this global ambassador for this bike ride around the world,” recalled Whisnant during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony. “Through this event and Greg’s active engagement, he found his voice as a global ambassador and advocate for persons with disabilities. He emerged as someone who believed that, if given the opportunity, a person with a disability can do just about anything—including navigating the globe on a hand cycle.”
“Greg’s passion for empowering athletes of all abilities has inspired our community for decades,” said Jon Brideau, CEO and President of World TEAM. “He’s not only a legendary cyclist—he’s a leader, advocate, and friend who believes deeply in our mission.”
LeMond’s hands-on support has been evident across multiple World TEAM programs. He rode alongside participants in the Vietnam Challenge, a groundbreaking cycling expedition from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City that brought together American and Vietnamese veterans, many of whom live with disabilities. He has also attended AXA World Ride, Face of America: Gettysburg, and World TEAM Challenge: Gozzer Ranch where his presence has been a source of motivation for both athletes and supporters.
In 2023, LeMond attended the 18th annual Face of America: Gettysburg cycling challenge, joining more than 350 athletes—including 100 adaptive military, first responder, and civilian riders—on a 110-mile journey from Arlington, Virginia to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The ride honors the service and resilience of our nation’s veterans and the unifying power of inclusive athletics. His involvement helped highlight the event’s mission and amplify its message nationwide.
During the 2023 Face of America, LeMond joined World TEAM in honoring top fundraisers and presenting the Ricky Prine Exceptional Athlete Award to adaptive athlete Rory McCarthy–a long time participant who rode alongside LeMond during both the 1994 AXA World Ride, the 1998 Vietnam Challenge, and the 2023 World TEAM Challenge: Gozzer Ranch.
Named in memory of Ricky Prine—a close friend and schoolmate of World TEAM founder Jim Benson—the award recognizes an athlete, sponsor, volunteer, or staff member who exemplifies leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. The spirit of the award and its recipients reflects the very values Greg has long championed.
“We are honored to celebrate Greg’s Congressional Gold Medal recognition,” said Brideau. “His decades of generosity, leadership, and unwavering belief that The Exceptional Athlete Matters continue to drive our mission forward.”
